Union Berlin — the heart of East Berlin football and one of Germany’s most inspiring success stories — has officially announced a monumental $680 million modernization project that will transform both its legendary Stadion An der Alten Försterei and the club’s entire training complex.
The project, described as the “biggest investment in club history,” represents a defining moment for a team that rose from the lower leagues to the Bundesliga on the strength of its fans’ unbreakable spirit. Union’s management confirmed that the funds will cover modern upgrades, sustainability-driven innovations, and enhanced fan experiences — all without compromising the stadium’s intimate, community-driven atmosphere.
Under the plan, the An der Alten Försterei will see increased seating capacity, improved accessibility, and a cutting-edge technological overhaul including energy-efficient lighting, smart ticketing systems, and green power integration. The training center will feature new rehabilitation facilities, analytics hubs, and youth development academies, ensuring Union Berlin continues nurturing talent and excellence for generations to come.
Club president Dirk Zingler described the move as a “giant leap forward that stays true to who we are.” He emphasized that the modernization project will remain “faithful to the fans who built this club with their hands and hearts.”
Indeed, Union’s story is built on love. Fans once literally helped construct the stadium with their own labor — bringing tools, mixing cement, and raising stands with pride. That bond remains sacred, and the club has promised that fans will play a role in shaping the new design, maintaining the soul of the old while embracing the promise of the new.
Local authorities have already expressed full support, seeing the project as an economic and cultural boost to the Köpenick district. Construction is expected to begin next year, with completion projected by 2028.
Union Berlin is proving once again: greatness isn’t bought — it’s built.
❤️⚒️ From the forest to the future — Union forever. Iron strong, Berlin proud.
